Restaurant Review: Stonewalls at the Woods

Situated on two public 18-hole golf courses, Stonewalls at the Woods at Cherry Creek Golf Club in Riverhead serves classic French and American fare. It’s the kind of food that has come to be expected at prestigious country clubs, but the ambience is anything but stuffy.

“The best part about owning a restaurant out here is the people,” says manager Jeff Abinette. Stonewalls is both inviting and elegant, with an emphasis on attentive customer service.

Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, Stonewalls has a multitude of options that are sure to tantalize the taste buds. The restaurant has received numerous awards, including several Dan’s Papers Best of the Best nods.

“All the vegetables and produce are local,” says Abinette. “We also have our own garden where we grow our own tomatoes, garlic and herbs.”

Traditional French plates call for cream and butter, but Stonewalls’ menu includes lighter dishes that still remain true to the French style. The mussels seem to be a crowd favorite.

For an appetizer, I tried the tuna tartare – it’s impossible for me to turn down anything that has avocadoes in it. This dish is served on a plate of salad with fresh cucumbers and a smattering of crispy chips. This is much more than your typical small plate to begin a meal! The fish dishes are also popular, and I quite enjoyed my halibut, which was a special that night.

The extensive wine list includes a selection of bottles from around the word as well as local favorites such as Paumanok, Sparkling Pointe, Jamesport Vineyards and Wolffer Estate Vineyards.

In the summer, Stonewalls’ menu expands, but a prix fixe will be offered every night. A new addition to the selections will be a burger bar, which includes a Wagyu beef burger, lamb burger, buffalo burger, turkey burger and the Stonewalls Burger – a 10-ounce creation that is not for the faint of heart. All the burgers come with assorted side items, specialty buns and lots of fixings!

Currently, there is a Happy Hour from 5-7 p.m. in the Grill Room Tuesday through Friday with half price drinks, beer and wine.

Stonewalls’ award-winning brunch is served every Sunday and includes a complimentary basket of freshly baked breads and a choice of a mimosa, bloody Mary or a glass of house wine.

Brunch appetizers include Long Island Baked Clams Provencale and Homemade Gravlax Salmon with cucumber salad and ginger soy vinaigrette. The entrees are a combination of traditional brunch fare and elegant culinary twists. Omlettes can come with a choice of combinations of vegetables and cheeses. Or, try the Baked Scottish Salmon with a light lobster and tarragon sauce. Stonewalls also has Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with red pepper coulis, and Grilled Sirloin Steak and scrambled eggs. In addition, assorted desserts are offered.

Summer specials include a frequent use of Stonewalls outdoor space for dancing, barbecues and drinking wine around the fire pit. Golfers should inquire about Stonewalls’ partnership with the courses, as package deals for a round of golf and post-game meal are available. Stonewalls also offers on-premises catering for private parties. The restaurant can accommodate groups of various sizes indoors or outdoors.

Stonewalls, 967 Reeves Avenue, Riverhead. 631-506-0777, www.stonewalls-restaurant.com.